Buying a Rover 75
 

As some of you guys know i'm looking to buy a Rover 75 and have had good feedback in the past from the forum which was much appreciated I'm ready to buy one now but have had nothing but negativity about the Rover 75 since i've told people that i'm going to buy a Rover.Stories i've heard including from a mechanic.
1 The old head gasket problem

2 Unable to get parts?

3 An AA man stating there good cars to sit in!

It's put me off a bit since hearing the above as i had my heart set on buying a Rover 75.
I'm 62 years old and travel about 15 miles a day to my work plus another 30 miles at the weekend (shopping etc) Probably 400 miles on holiday once a year and thats it.So the car is not really going to do what it was built for but this is my last chance at being able to afford a luxury car with a budget of up to £3000 cash to spend or less if possible (remember i'm Scottish!)
I hope to get some feedback from you guys with my dilemma as i'm swaying between to buy or not to buy,that is the question.
P.S. My son is an engineer to trade and has had a lot of experience in repairing cars from the smallest to the biggest problems so i wouldn't have to worry about labour costs on any car i own.

In answer to your questions

1.) The 1.8 suffers from the HGF the 2.0 and 2.5 V6 never get them as does the diesel

2.)Parts are not difficult to source Xpart supplys them.

3.)They are a very comfortable car.

1. The Head gasket problem on the 1.8 and 1.8T has now been mainly overcome with the new Headgasket and Oil rail.
But many would recommend the other models in range, and get the most "extras" you can.

2. Parts are more available for our cars than many current manufacturer.
XPart is part of Caterpillar and supplied MG Rover and was not affected by the collapse.

3. Excellent cars to sit in, but also to sit in and drive.

These stories do the rounds and you will always here the horror stories from those that have had problems. that is the same for all makes.

The 2.5 V6 and the Diesel are both excellent engines and the car generally is also excellent winning more awards both in Production and since than most other Cars.

Perfect car for you is my Rover 75 just click this link.
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.d...m=180350755322

Rumours are the food of the ill informed.


Ask any Rover 75 owner how easy is it to get parts and they will say very.

The rumours come from specific cars with specific parts being very hard to get. Rover 75 Premium bumper chrome trims are hard to get. Well to be hinest they are impossible at the moment. But in reality if you did have one and you were involved in a bump they would replace the bumper with one without the chrome trim so it's not an issue.

Rover 25's have few parts that cannot be found as another member is finding.


I'd personally stay away from the 1.8 due to the head gaskets but the rest are fine and the BMW Diesel engine is bullet proof.


Drive and enjoy. Thats what I say.

Hi Brian,

Great to see you are still looking for a 75.

DO NOT LET OTHER PEOPLE PUT YOU OFF! (Sorry, I realise that is the equivalent of shouting, but wanted to make my point!).

Parts have been no problem (in the majority of cases, excepting one or two specialist items and known issues).

As Lewis says, a very comfortable place to sit. Ignore the AA man who was obviously being flippant. The Rover 75 came 7th overall in the recent Auto Express JD Power Customer Satisfaction survey! Not bad for a car that has not been made since 2005.

Take your time and find a good one. I have already suggested the diesel for reliability and parts availabilty (BMW engine still in use. timing chain good for 250k) although IIRC you have decided you want a petrol?

If that is the case then the 1.8 issues you are aware of. These can be overcome by use of the new uprated Head Gasket and installation of a special temperature guage (do a search for more info). However you may be better with a 2.0 V6 or 2.5 V6 as you will not be doing huge mileage (I estimate your annual mileage to in the region of 6,000 based on your post). Find a V6 which has had its belts done and you should be good.

I bought mine from Arnold Clark and got a 2 yr or 24k warranty so find something similar and you should be fine (i.e. reduce your concerns over reliability).

Derek

Oh nice extras, wooden wheel, gear knob and handbrake!

Derek

Yes they were purchased from Les @ SMC last year :D

The extras they are referring to would make the car look like this.

http://www.the75andztclub.co.uk/foru...7c89060ffd.jpg
:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D

If you have the time to look then you should be able to get a good example of a 2.0L, 2.5L or Diesel with some of the niceties like Satnav and leather seats and the cambelts done (Petrol only) within your budget.

My personal feeling is for 6k a year you may as well get a 2.5 V6 as they are just a little more fun.

Also I'd not pay much extra for the satnav as easier to use units with more up to date maps are easily purchased for £60 these days.

The best 75 for the OP is the diesel aoutomatic. Go for a lowish (under 100k) mileage car, pref one prev owner with good service history. :lol:

Get the top of the range Conny SE. preferably a MK1. (pre-facelift) You should get a very nice one for less than £3,000. You can spend the rest on diesel fuel touring Britain in your spare time.. :)

I am not a "Rover" fan per se, but I am a devout diesel auto fan, and in my opinion the Rover 75 is far and away the best one around in it's price range. :D It is also extremely well equiped by way of extras, and an absolute joy to drive.. :D

The 2.5 V6 would be my 2nd choice, but as I like driving the MPG is a consideration for me. Hence diesels rule...:D
....